Chapter 145

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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Chapter 145

It’s unbelievable how enjoyable the start of a new semester can be. I love the academy. Oh-ho-ho! I love the start of a new semester!

Ah, to be more precise, it’s not the start of the semester itself that’s enjoyable, but rather what I get to see because of it.

“Kaaarl!―”

“Karl, you bastard!”

“Karl!!”

“Karl Adelheit!!”

Hmm. The screams of the quartet really create a perfect harmony. Oh my, I really love it.

I’ve always wished for the day they’d scream because of me, and here I am, getting my revenge.

Hahaha! Now you will understand how I feel! This is what it means to taste your own medicine, reincarnated style! You guys can go crazy because of me for once!

“Karl! What the hell did you do!”

“Why did the Office of Sainthood Causes from the Holy See suddenly contact us? Explain!”

“Patron saint? Patron saaaiint? You asked them to include us in that portrait?!”

“Why?! I didn’t do anything, why the hell!”

You’re asking the obvious. You guys. Still don’t know your sins?

“Oh, woe is me. Your foolishness knows no bounds.”

“Did you have a drink during the day?”

“This is merely to absolve you of your original sin of spreading that evil mint chocolate.”

“What nonsense!”

“Oh-ho. Nonsense, you say? Would you dare speak that way to this blessed individual who has received a miracle from the Goddess? To the man who will one day be canonized?! Wilhelm! Are you a heretic by any chance?”

I can almost picture the scene where the armed priest squad appears from behind, shouting ‘Amen!’

Just as well, I wield a greatsword similar to a bayonet, don’t I? Would you like to fall like straw? Ahh?!

Fortunately, the church isn’t that extreme.

“No, just tell us why. Why on earth are we getting the patron saint positions all of a sudden.”

“So what? Even a guy like me will return to the side of light and become a saint, so it’s only natural that you who hang out with me get at least that much status.”

“Still, I don’t want to be eternally enshrined next to your portrait!”

“We’re friends, aren’t we? Friends go to hell together.”

“If we’re friends, shouldn’t you stop us from going to hell with you?!”

Sigh. These faithless friends of mine. I did this all for you!

They may say otherwise, but they surely understand, don’t they? They know exactly what it means for me to name them as my patron saints and the impact it will have on them.

Just so you know, being named a patron saint isn’t something that’s given to just anyone.

Only those who are deemed worthy to be alongside canonized saints receive this honor. These are the people who, during the saint’s lifetime, closely supported them and had their own influence.

If a saint is said to have received a miracle from Goddess, then a patron saint can be seen as a supporter or friend who helped the saint up until the moment the miracle was received.

“You guys act like you don’t get it, but I know your minds are racing.”

“Are you sure, Karl?”

“Of course... probably?”

Damn it, really? Medals, again? No way! They wouldn’t give out medals for something like this!

On the surface, I denied it. But I couldn’t help but feel uneasy. If this is the case, wouldn’t it be better to get a definitive answer for some peace of mind?

* * *

“...And that’s why you came to me?”

Lately, I’ve been meeting my brother-in-law more often. And almost every time, it’s because my brother-in-law is just too outstanding.

But today is different. He suddenly asked for a meeting, and out of the blue, he said, ‘Your Highness, am I getting another medal?’

“This is a big deal to me.”

“...I’m sure it is.”

My brother-in-law calls them ‘heavy iron trinkets.’ Some people would do anything to receive one of those trinkets.

It’s not just a trinket, though. It’s proof of hard work and honor.

Of course, he doesn’t mean to dismiss them. It’s just that he believes his actions are ‘simply the right thing to do,’ not something that needs a medal.

“To get to the point, no, you won’t be getting a medal.”

“Ah!”

“What’s with the ‘Ah!’? Brother-in-law.”

I shouldn’t find this so funny. I seriously wonder sometimes if he’s really Rika’s brother. They’re like night and day.

“Don’t tell me you’re glad you’re not getting one? That’s absurd. It’s not that you’re NOT getting a medal, it’s that they CAN’T give you one.”

“Huh?”

Has anyone ever found a lost sacred relic? Or received a miracle in the Holy See? Never. It’s simply unheard of.

Even if it did happen, would a ‘medal’ be enough? War is one thing, but finding a sacred relic or receiving a miracle is on a whole other level.

“You shouldn’t be happy about not getting a medal. Immense glory and honor are heading your way, and they’ll make any medal look like a cheap toy.”

“....”

“It seems that with all the recent fuss about medals, I’ve lost sight of the bigger picture.”

After hearing me out, my brother-in-law kept muttering, ‘I see, I see,’ and then started spouting strange noises like ‘Aoh! Aoh-ooh!’

“Ah, and while I have you here at the Imperial Palace, I should probably mention this in advance.”

“Please, Your Highness. I beg you, tell me it’s not another huge ordeal.”

I’m sorry, brother-in-law, but it is.

“His Majesty will be summoning you soon. And no complaining, you hear? Think about everything you’ve done recently. The Emperor can’t just stay silent when a noble of his own country receives a miracle, can he?”

Karl might think he’s the only one struggling, but if he had any conscience, he’d consider those around him.

In fact, both His Majesty and I have been caught in the crossfire. A noble family loyal to the Imperial Family suddenly produces a benefactor of the Church? And then suddenly becomes a saintly figure?

We thought that was the end of it, but now he’s received a miracle and is being considered for canonization?

‘Karl, you have no idea how much our workload has increased because of you.’

So, whether it’s a medal or something else, just accept it graciously. Didn’t I tell you before? If we don’t look after you, the Imperial Family will be criticized for years to come.

[Translator – Angel Dust]

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